Things that Amuse Me

American history is full of people that are eloquent dreamers. These men had real dreams...dreams of a country that would bring freedom to it's citizens. These people helped to build a great country.

Today, a lot of attention is going to Barack Obama and the Democratic Convention that starts this evening. I notice during this coverage that everyone seems to be gushing over Barack. I will admit that he is a good speaker...that his speeches appear to unite...and that he seems to have motivated his constituents. His "Yes, We Can" speeches, on the surface, layout a speech of what would seem to be a modern day dreamer.



CAUTION IS NEEDED when taking things at face value. I do not think that Barack is what he seems. I was listening to the amazing speech of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday on PBS and I noticed something interesting. Every speech that Barack gives have the same tone, tempo and resonance that Dr. King's speech had. Barack's "Yes, We Can" mantra has easily replaced, "I Have A Dream".

Please remember that some of the most remembered people in history were motivators as well. These people were able to convince others that their views were correct and get them to take actions to make the "dreams" come true. Among these people are such figures as Hitler, Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein...just to name a few! This should show that motivating, eloquent words do not mean that what they speak of is really what is best. Take Heed when someone offers only words and no substance.

My word of caution comes with a request that you dig deeper than the coverage on Fox News, MSNBC and CNN. Look deeper than the surface of the motivating speeches. Please realize that an eloquent speaker can easily manipulate the listener.